The son of a murderer who killed his partner and then pleaded manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility has told how their family were aware he was unhappy in the relationship and wanted to leave.

An inquest today at Exeter’s County Hall heard how just over a week before 66-year-old Charles Broom killed his 71-year-old partner Hilda Oakfield, he admitted to his GP he was suffering from low mood because they were experiencing problems.

Mrs Oakfield, also of Honiton, was found in a 4x4 vehicle in a field off the A30 at Fenny Bridges near Honiton on December 2, 2015.

Six months later Mr Broom killed himself in his single occupancy prison cell at Exeter Prison three weeks after pleading guilty to manslaughter. He had no history of offending or previous convictions, and had been due to appear at Exeter Crown Court the following month.

Read More

The GP report from his visit on November 24, 2015, shortly before the killing, told how Mr Broom’s wife had died two years prior, and a year later had started a relationship an old family friend who had also lost her husband.

He described himself as having taken on role of her carer because of her alleged mental health problems.

The GP said: “He was clearly unhappy and wanting to make a decision to leave the relationship and had low mood as a result.”

It was added 12 months prior to the appointment he had seen a senior mental health practitioner who diagnosed adjustment disorder secondary to bereavement but Mr Broom, of Millhead Road, Honiton, declined talking therapy or medication.

Following his last GP visit it was suggested he contact Relate for couple counselling and he was given a health questionnaire to complete to measure the severity of depression.

Read More

Mr Broom’s son Anthony, who lives in Poole but worked with his father on his small holding up to four days a week, said: “He presented as okay. I didn’t have any concerns for him. As far as know he hadn’t completed the questionnaire.”

He added: “We were aware he was unhappy and wanted to leave the relationship.”

It was also told how Mr Broom’s prison visits had been reduced when he entered a plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, and that they had not known when he would see him again after last seeing him on Father’s Day.

Anthony said: “He seemed in very good spirits so that’s why we were left in a bit disbelief what happened in the subsequent 48 hours. He seemed arguably happier than he had been at some other times. “

He added: “I’m sure a lot going on he could not share with us or wanted to trouble us with.”

It was also reported that Mr Broom has been awaiting to hear the outcome of a prosecution psychiatric assessment.

Read More

Mr Broom had been imprisoned since December 3, after handing himself in to police, and was found in his cell on the morning of June 21, 2016, when a prison officer was carrying out cell checks and had found the observational panel of Mr Broom’s cell to be obscured. He had barricaded his door and when entry was gained into the cell he was found with a ligature around his neck, and had objects in his mouth.

An inquest into Hilda’s death took place over a year ago in January 2017, and a conclusion of unlawful killing was recorded. During the hearing it was said Mr Broom told police on the day of her death they had driven to the farm field to feed the cattle and in the van had got into an argument about Christmas presents for the family which led to an argument about their relationship.

Mr Broom’s inquest was due to conclude today but has been postponed due to today’s weather warning. It will now be heard on March 12.